Art in Oceania: A New History

A landmark celebration of all aspects of Pacific art by seven of the world''s leading contemporary authorities The arts of Oceania are astonishing: great statues, daunting tattoos, dynamic carving, dazzling woven and painted fabrics, intricately carved weapons, a bewildering variety of ornaments, ritual objects, and original contemporary art rooted in the history of the region. This major book breaks new ground by setting the art of Oceania in its full historical context and capturing an up-to-date understanding of the field. From prehistoric finds to the impact of pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial historical processes, it explores influences such as migration, trade, missionaries, pacification, tourism, nationalism and market factors, offering abundant new interpretations and addressing significant gaps in other publications. Factors that have been hitherto largely neglected, including the role of museums, the significance of colonial photography, indigenous modernisms and contemporary Pacific art, are covered alongside the familiar canon. This beautifully illustrated volume will appeal to general readers interested in world art, collectors, university students, scholars and museum professionals in the field.